(Sept 9th, 2022) – After a 2 month long search 5 incredible performances, and over 350 public votes; the judge’s votes have been counted. Music Nova Scotia would like to congratulate Jody Upshaw, on becoming the official 2022 Artist in Residence. The grand prize includes $10,000 cash and over $10,000 value in other prizes to help further support their career over the next year. This year, Ria Mae, Tara Taylor, and Tara Thorne were the live judges for the event. “We were blown away by the amount of talent!” The top five performers were selected by a jury of industry professionals based on their initial applications, and the final decision was made by the live judges on the artists’ performances in conjunction with a public vote.

“This impressive group of talented artists represents the high-quality level of so many of our homegrown artists. said Fiona Diamond, Music Nova Scotia’s Interim Executive Director. “It is vital we continue to support our emerging artists as we continue to rebuild Nova Scotia’s live music sector.” Music Nova Scotia would like to thank the Halifax Regional Municipality, LightHouse, Canada’s Music Incubator, and the Music Managers Forum for sponsoring this year’s event. 

Congratulations again to Jody Upshaw! 

Jody Upshaw is a 19 year-old singing sensation from Halifax, Nova Scotia. Beginning at the age of 9 in church, she has now made her way across the Atlantic provinces and opened for big names such as Joyner Lucas and Mya. Upshaw has been developing her voice and collaborating with some of Nova Scotia and Canada’s most experienced and talented artists and industry professionals such as Neon Dreams, Reeny Smith, JRDN, and Katrina Lopes. Though she is technically only in the beginning stages of her life and career in the R&B music world, she has already taken major steps on this path.

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The Grand Prize

• $10 000 cash prize
• Paid performance opportunities at various HRM events (to be determined)
• Paid performance opportunity at Nova Scotia Music Week 2022
• One (1) year membership to Music Nova Scotia ($50)
• One (1) year membership to Music Managers Forum ($150)
• 1-day video shoot in the television studio (value $5000)
• 1-year coworking membership at Light House Link (value $2400)
• Three (3), one-hour, virtual mentorship meetings with Canada’s Music Incubator (CMI) mentors to be scheduled at artist’s discretion (within one year and subject to CMI mentor availability). The artist gets to set the agenda for the meetings based on their needs and priorities. (value $1500)